Belt drive system assembly and tension apparatus

ABSTRACT

A belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism includes a first bracket that is attachable to a first portion of the belt drive system, and a second bracket that is attachable to a second portion of the belt drive system. The second portion is different from the first portion. The mechanism also includes a belt drive system component that is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket. The component is pivotally coupled to the first bracket on one side of the component and is pivotally coupled to the second bracket on another side of the component. The component is further slidably coupled to one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the component is movable between a first orientation at which the belt is configured to be tensioned and a second orientation at which the belt is configured to be installed on the component.

The present patent application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/248,400 filed Oct. 2, 2009, the entire contentof which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a belt drive system, and moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a belt drive systemincluding a pulley assembly and tension apparatus.

Many existing vehicles (e.g., automobiles, tractors, straight trucks,tractor-trailer combinations, etc.) include power transmission beltdrive systems to transfer power from an engine or motor to one or moreauxiliary or accessory components. For example, in vehicularapplications, these accessories can include power steering pumps, waterpumps, air conditioning compressors, fuel pumps, and alternators.Generally, each accessory includes a pulley that is coupled to pulleysof other accessories via one or more belts. Belt drive systems can beused in conjunction with the primary engine or motor of a vehicle totransfer power via pulleys and belts to one or more accessories, orthese systems can be used in conjunction with auxiliary systems (e.g.,refrigeration systems for transport refrigeration units, etc.) totransfer power.

In most belt drive systems, one or more components are movable such thatthe belt can be assembled onto or trained around the pulleys. In somevehicles, the belt drive system is located in a relatively smallcompartment, and as a result, the components of the belt drive systemare positioned relatively close to each other. Often, no tension can beplaced on the belt when the belt is trained onto the pulleys due to theconfined space in which the belt drive system is located. In someexisting belt drive systems, the belt must be rotated about a point tofit the belt onto the pulleys. In other existing belt drive systems, thebelt is slid in a slot. However, these belts often have inadequatetension upon assembly onto the pulleys and other components of the beltdrive system interfere with the belt during assembly, which makes theprocess time consuming and difficult.

In many belt drive systems that include an alternator, the alternator ismounted in a slot for linear movement, or is pivoted on one end so thatthe alternator can move in an arc having a radius that is the same asthe alternator length. In these systems, the alternator has one degreeof motion (i.e., either sliding movement or rotational movement), andthe belt is trained around the pulleys of other components in the beltdrive system before being trained onto the alternator pulley. Often, thebelt has at least some tension prior to assembly onto the alternatorpulley, making the process of training the belt onto the pulleyssomewhat difficult. After the belt has been trained onto all of thepulleys, the alternator is moved linearly or pivoted to extend ortighten the belt. Other systems move the engine or motor, or anothercomponent of the system, to attach the belt to the pulleys. Many ofthese systems use bolts to pull or push the belt with differentcomponents. However, in relatively small compartments, simply moving orpivoting one or more components interferes with other components (e.g.,a compressor, a fan pulley, etc.) in the system.

Typically, the belt must be tightened or tensioned after the belt istrained onto or connected to the pulleys so that power can beefficiently transferred among the accessories. In order for the beltdrive system to function, the belt must be maintained at a predeterminedtension to avoid shortening the life of the belt or the components ofthe system. Some belt drive systems include an automatic tensionerdevice that presses on the belt, which acts to lengthen the distanceabout which the belt is trained and thereby causes the belt to beextended or in tension. Various techniques and geometries have beenemployed to provide the biasing force. However, for belt drive systemsin relatively small compartments, there is no room for an automatictensioner device.

Some belt drive systems use stretch belts that typically do not requiremovable pulleys, and when stretched properly, will maintain tension fora given period. However, these belts generally cannot be fully stretchedupon initial assembly onto the pulleys because the high belt tensionneeded causes too much bearing stress on the belt. Similarly, too littletension or stretching of the belt results in the belt being too loose toadequately transfer power between the components of the belt drivesystem.

Typically, adjusting and measuring the tension on a belt is difficultdue to very little room for accessing the belt within the compartment.In existing belt drive systems, the process of adjusting and measuringthe tension is often repeated several times to achieve a desired result.Also, special, often costly tools are often required to adequatelymeasure the belt tension. However, these tools often provideinconsistent readings and when combined with existing belt drivesystems, can significantly increase the time needed to assemble the beltonto the pulleys.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for abelt drive system that simplifies belt installation and adjustment in aconfined space. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism allows a beltto be installed on the belt drive system without tension the belt duringinstallation, simplifying the assembly process. The belt assembly andadjustment mechanism increases the distance that the alternator can beadjusted to assemble and adjust the belt without necessitating a largerhousing and without interfering with other components in the confinedspace. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism includes a movablealternator that has two degrees of freedom for cooperatively sliding androtating the alternator between first and second orientations so thatthe belt can be installed on the belt drive system and so that adequatetension can be placed on the belt.

The invention also provides a tension apparatus for a belt drive systemthat maintains sufficient tension on the belt for a desired belt lifewithout overly tensioning the belt. The tension apparatus includesperceptible indicators that identify the proper position of a movablecomponent of the belt drive system relative to a desired fitted beltlength to provide belt tension adjustment capability without specialtools.

The invention further provides a belt assembly and adjustment mechanismand tension apparatus for a belt drive system that simplifies beltinstallation and adjustment in a confined space and that adequatelytensions the belt based on desired belt tension characteristics. Thebelt assembly and adjustment mechanism includes brackets that cooperatewith a component associated with the belt drive system to provide twodegrees of freedom for the component such that the component can move arelatively large distance between first and second orientations in theconfined space without interfering with other components in the confinedspace. The tension apparatus maintains sufficient tension on the beltfor a desired belt life, and includes perceptible indicators thatidentify the proper position of a movable component of the belt drivesystem relative to a desired fitted belt length to provide belt tensionadjustment capability without special tools.

In one construction, the invention provides a belt assembly andadjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt. The beltassembly and adjustment mechanism includes a first bracket that isattachable to a first portion of the belt drive system, and a secondbracket that is attachable to a second portion of the belt drive system.The second portion is different from the first portion. The mechanismalso includes a belt drive system component that is positioned betweenthe first bracket and the second bracket. The component is pivotallycoupled to the first bracket on one side of the component and ispivotally coupled to the second bracket on another side of thecomponent. The component is further slidably coupled to one of the firstbracket and the second bracket such that the component is movablebetween a first orientation at which the belt is configured to betensioned and a second orientation at which the belt is configured to beinstalled onto the component.

In another construction, the invention provides a belt assembly andadjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt. The beltassembly and adjustment mechanism includes a first bracket that isattachable to a portion of the belt drive system and that includes afirst slot, and a second bracket that is attachable to a portion of thebelt drive system and that defines a sliding attachment portion that hasa second slot. The mechanism also includes a link pivotally coupled tothe first bracket within the first slot, and a belt drive systemcomponent pivotally coupled to the link such that the component isguidable through a rotating trajectory via pivotal movement of the linkwithin the first slot. The component is coupled to the second bracketwithin the second slot such that the component is slidable along alinear trajectory within the second slot. The rotating trajectory andthe linear trajectory facilitate movement of the component between afirst orientation and a second orientation.

In another construction, the invention provides a belt assembly andadjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt. The beltassembly and adjustment mechanism includes a first bracket that isattachable to a first portion of the belt drive system, a second bracketthat is attachable to a second portion of the belt drive systemdifferent from the first portion, and a belt drive system component. Thebelt drive system component is positioned between the first bracket andthe second bracket such that the first bracket and the second bracketare on substantially opposite sides of the component. The componentincludes a first pivot located adjacent the first bracket and a secondpivot located adjacent the second bracket. The component is furtherslidably coupled to one of the first bracket and the second bracket suchthat the component has a rotating trajectory and a sliding trajectorybetween a first orientation and a second orientation. A plane extendingthrough the first pivot and the second pivot is disposed at a firstangle relative to a horizontal plane extending through a center of thecomponent when the component is in the first orientation. The plane isdisposed at a second angle larger than the first angle relative to thehorizontal plane when the component is in the second orientation.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a transportrefrigeration unit embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a belt drive system of thetransport refrigeration unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the belt drive system of FIG. 2 including analternator in a first position.

FIG. 4 is another front view of the belt drive system of FIG. 2including the alternator in a second position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the belt drive systemincluding a belt tension control apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary vehicle 10 embodying the invention. In otherconstructions, the vehicle 10 can be an automobile, a tractor-trailercombination, or other vehicles. The vehicle 10 illustrated in FIG. 1includes a cabin 15, an engine compartment 20 that has a primary engineor motor assembly (not shown), a transport compartment 25 that defines aload space and that is used to transport cargo, and a temperaturecontrol system 30 that is coupled to the transport compartment 25. Thetemperature control system 30 includes a housing 35 that is attached toa forward end of the transport compartment 25 substantially above thecabin 15. In other constructions, the temperature control system 30 maybe located elsewhere on the vehicle 10.

FIGS. 2-4 show a portion of the temperature control system 30 thatincludes a refrigeration unit 40 for conditioning the load space. Therefrigeration unit 40 includes a compressor assembly 45 and anevaporator fan assembly 50 (partially shown) that are in communicationwith other components of the refrigeration unit 40 (e.g., evaporator,condenser, etc.). The compressor assembly 45 is coupled to the housing35 by a lower support bracket 55 and an upper support bracket 60, andincludes a compressor 65 and a drive shaft 70 that is operativelycoupled to the compressor 65. The lower and upper support brackets 55,60 stabilize the compressor assembly 45 within the housing 35. Theevaporator fan assembly 50 is located adjacent the compressor assembly45 and includes an evaporator fan (not shown) and a drive shaft 75 thatis operatively coupled to the evaporator fan.

The temperature control system 30 also includes a motor or engineassembly 80 (hereinafter “motor assembly”) and an alternator 85. Themotor assembly 80 includes a motor bracket 90, a prime mover (e.g.,motor, engine, etc.) that is coupled to the motor bracket 90 and that isfurther coupled to the housing 35 by brackets 95, and a drive shaft 100that is operatively engaged with the prime mover (not shown). As shownin FIGS. 2 and 5, the motor bracket 90 includes a first portion 105 thatdefines an elongated slot 110 and that includes a first step 115, asecond step 120, a third step 125, and a fourth step 130. As shown inFIG. 5, the motor bracket 90 also includes a second portion 135 thatincludes a first step 140, a second step 145, a third step 150, and afourth step 155. The two sets of steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145,150, 155 are generally oriented in a stair-like pattern from each of thefirst steps 115, 140 to the associated fourth steps 130, 155, althoughother patterns of steps are possible and considered herein.

The alternator 85 is positioned between the compressor assembly 45 andthe motor assembly 80 and vertically above the evaporator fan assembly50, and is movable relative to the compressor assembly 45, theevaporator fan assembly 50, and the motor assembly 80. The alternator 85is further positioned in the housing 35 such that the alternator 85 islocated below the top of the housing 35. The alternator 85 is coupled tothe motor bracket 90 via a first alternator bracket 160, and includes adrive shaft 165. As indicated by arrow 170, the alternator 85 ispivotable in two directions relative to the first alternator bracket 160via a pivot element 175 (e.g., a fastener) that is coupled to the firstalternator bracket 160. The first alternator bracket 160 is in turncoupled to the motor bracket 90 via a fastener 180 (e.g., a bolt)extending through the elongated slot 110 such that the first alternatorbracket 160 is slidingly movable within the elongated slot 110(vertically movable as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4). As shown in FIG. 5, thefirst alternator bracket 160 defines a first surface 185 adjacent afirst end of the first alternator bracket 160, and a second surface 190adjacent a second end of the first alternator bracket 160.

The alternator 85 is coupled to the upper support bracket 60 via asecond alternator bracket 195 and a link 200 coupled between thealternator 85 and the second alternator bracket 195. The secondalternator bracket 195 defines a pivot hole 205 and a pivot slot 210,and is attached to the upper support bracket 60. The second alternatorbracket 195 cooperates with the first alternator bracket 160 to supportthe alternator 85 within the housing 35.

The link 200 is defined by an elongated body that has a predeterminedlength. The link 200 has two holes for receiving a first link element orfastener 215 and a second link element or fastener 220. The first linkelement 215 pivotably attaches the link 200 to the second alternatorbracket 195 within the pivot hole 205 such that the link 200 ispivotable about an axis defined by the pivot hole 205. The second linkelement 220 is engaged with the second alternator bracket 195 within thepivot slot 210 such that the link 200 is pivotable along an arc definedby the pivot slot 210.

The compressor assembly 45 and the evaporator fan assembly 50 areoperatively coupled to the motor assembly 80 and the alternator 85 via abelt drive system 225. The belt drive system 225 includes a compressorpulley 230 that is attached to the drive shaft 70 of the compressorassembly 45, a fan pulley 235 that is attached to the drive shaft 75 ofthe evaporator fan assembly 50, a motor pulley 240 that is attached tothe drive shaft 100 of the motor assembly 80, and an alternator pulley245 that is attached to the drive shaft 165 of the alternator 85.

The belt drive system 225 also includes a belt 250 that extends over oris trained onto the pulleys 230, 235, 240, 245 to drivingly engage eachof the compressor assembly 45, the evaporator fan assembly 50, the motorassembly 80, and the alternator 85. In some constructions, the belt 250can be a stretch belt that stretches more than a standard belt. In otherconstructions, the belt 250 can be a standard belt.

The alternator 85 is movable to assist with assembly of the belt 250onto the pulleys 230, 235, 240, 245 in the relatively confined spacedefined by the housing 35. In other constructions, other components ofthe temperature control system 30 can move instead of or in addition tothe alternator 85 to assist with assembling the belt 250 onto thepulleys 230, 235, 240, 245. Generally, the alternator 85 (or othercomponents in constructions in which other components are movable tofacilitate installation and adjustment of the belt 250), the motorbracket 90, the first and second alternator brackets 160, 195, the link200, the pivot element 175, the fastener, and the first and second linkelements 215, 220 cooperatively define a belt assembly and adjustmentmechanism that allows the belt 250 to be assembled onto the pulleys 230,235, 240, 245 without tension on the belt 250.

Movement of the alternator 85 allows adjustment of the tension on thebelt 250 and replacement of the belt 250 in a confined space. FIG. 3shows the temperature control system 30 and the belt drive system 225 ina first orientation corresponding to an operating state of thetemperature control system 30. In the first orientation, the belt 250 isadequately tensioned to transfer rotation of the motor pulley 240 to thecompressor assembly 45, the fan assembly 50, and the alternator 85. Asshown in FIG. 3, the link 200 is pivoted to a tensioned positioncorresponding to an uppermost limit of the pivot slot 210, and the firstalternator bracket 160 is positioned in a tensioned positioncorresponding to the uppermost limit of the elongated slot 110 such thatthe alternator 85 is below the uppermost portion of the housing 35 andis oriented at a first angle 255 relative to a horizontal plane 260through the drive shaft 165 of the alternator 85. This orientation ofthe alternator 85 avoids interference with other components of thetemperature control system 30 and maximizes belt adjustment capabilitywithin the housing 35.

FIG. 4 shows the temperature control system 30 and the belt drive system225 in a second orientation corresponding to a non-operating state ofthe temperature control system 30. In the second orientation, thealternator 85 is in a belt assembly position such that the belt 250 canremoved and replaced with another belt without initial tension on thereplacement belt. The link 200 pivots about the pivot hole 205 andwithin the pivot slot 210, and cooperates with the second alternatorbracket 195 to rotate or pivot the alternator 85 about the pivot element175. The first alternator bracket 160 cooperates with the motor bracket90 to slidingly move the alternator 85 generally downward toward theevaporator fan assembly 50 such that the alternator 85 defines a secondangle 265 that is larger than the first angle 255 relative to thehorizontal plane 260 when the alternator 85 is in the secondorientation. The combined rotational and guided sliding trajectory ofthe alternator 85 defines two degrees of freedom (two directions ofmotion) for the alternator 85, which effectively maximizes the amountthat the alternator 85 and the alternator pulley 245 can move within theavailable space and provides sufficient belt adjustment for the belt250. The two degrees of freedom also provide additional distance for thealternator 85 to move within the confined space, which allows more beltadjustment capability over conventional systems that include analternator with one degree of freedom.

After the belt 250 is assembled onto the pulleys 230, 235, 240, 245, thealternator 85 is moved back to the first orientation by sliding thesecond alternator bracket 195 generally upward relative to the motorbracket 90 within the elongated slot 110, and rotating the link 200within the pivot slot 210. The fastener 180 and the first and secondlink elements 215, 220 are tightened to maintain the position of thealternator 85 in the first orientation. Movement of the alternator 85back to the first orientation tensions the belt 250 on the pulleys 230,235, 240, 245 so that movement of the motor pulley 240 effectivelytransfers to the remaining pulleys 230, 235, 245.

FIG. 5 shows one construction of a tension apparatus 270 that can beused to properly tension the belt 250. Although the tension apparatus270 is described with regard to the belt drive system 225, it should berecognized that the tension apparatus 270 can be used with other beltdrive systems that utilize other means for assembling the belt 250 ontothe associated pulleys 230, 235, 240, 245, and should not be limited touse with the belt drive system 225 described herein.

The alternator 85 is moved generally upward to tension the belt 250. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the tension apparatus 270 utilizes the firstalternator bracket 160 and the motor bracket 90 to properly tension thebelt 250 by aligning the first and second surfaces 185, 190 of the firstalternator bracket 160 with one of the pairs of first, second, third,and fourth steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155 of the motorbracket 90. By aligning the first and second surfaces 185, 190 with oneof pairs of the steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155, thetension apparatus 270 sets the position of the alternator pulley 245 tocontrol the tension. The alternator pulley 245 is fixed in the alignedposition while the belt drive system 225 is operational such that thetension of the belt 250 is substantially constant during operation. Byindicating the height of the alternator 85 necessary for proper tensionusing the steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155, the alternatorpulley 245 is properly oriented and aligned with the other pulleys 230,235, 240.

Generally, the tension apparatus 270 controls the fitted belt length(i.e., the length of the belt 250 when the belt 250 is fitted onto thepulleys 230, 235, 240, 245) instead of pulley positions to maintainproper tension on the belt 250. In the illustrated construction, thefirst and second steps 115, 120, 140, 145 generally correspond to properalignment positions for a belt (e.g., the belt 250) used with singletemperature control systems. The third and fourth steps 125, 130, 150,155 illustrated in FIG. 5 generally correspond to a multiple temperaturecontrol system 30s. In other constructions, any combination of the steps115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155 and any quantity of steps may beimplemented to control the fitted belt length based on the desired belttension characteristics. Furthermore, the steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140,145, 150, 155 may be staggered (e.g., the third steps 125, 145 may belower than one or both of the first steps 115, 140 and the second steps120, 145).

The first steps 115, 140 identify the corresponding vertical height ofthe alternator 85 for a first predetermined belt tension value (i.e., afirst or initial fitted belt length), and cooperatively keep thealternator pulley 245 parallel to the other pulleys 230, 235, 240.Similarly, the second, third, and fourth steps 120, 125, 130, 145, 150,155 identify corresponding vertical heights of the alternator 85 forrespective second, third, and fourth predetermined belt tension values(i.e., respective first, second, third, and fourth fitted belt lengths),and cooperatively keep the alternator pulley 245 parallel to the otherpulleys 230, 235, 240. Generally, the fastener 180 and the first andsecond link elements 215, 220 are tightened to fix the height of thealternator 85 and the belt tension at the associated predetermined belttension value after the first and second surfaces 185, 190 are alignedwith the corresponding steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155.

In constructions of the belt drive system 225 in which the belt 250 is astretch belt, the tension apparatus 270 may need to be adjusted a secondtime to fully stretch the belt 250 to the desired fitted belt lengthwithout causing too much bearing stress on the belt 250 by fullystretching the belt 250 upon initial assembly onto the pulleys 230, 235,240, 245. In constructions where a second adjustment is necessary, anoperator can loosen the fastener 180 and the first and second linkelements 215, 220 to align the first and second surfaces 185, 190 of thefirst alternator bracket 160 with the next steps (e.g., the second steps120, 145) associated with the desired fitted belt length. For example,after the first alternator bracket 160 has been aligned with the firststeps 115, 140 for a period of time (e.g., at a scheduled or unscheduledservice interval), the first alternator bracket 160 can be adjusted suchthat the first and second surfaces 185, 190 are aligned with the secondsteps 120, 145. The first and second surfaces 185, 190 can beselectively aligned with the third and fourth steps 125, 130, 150, 155in a similar manner based on the desired fitted belt length. When thebelt 250 is replaced with another belt, the alternator 85 is lowered sothat the belt 250 can be removed from the pulleys 230, 235, 240, 245 andthe new belt (not shown) can be installed on the pulleys 230, 235, 240,245. The alternator 85 is then moved so that the first and secondsurfaces 185, 190 align with the steps (e.g., one of the pairs of steps115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155) indicative of the desired fittedbelt length.

By incorporating multiple steps onto the motor bracket 90, the motorbracket 90 can be used with different belt drive systems. Inconstructions of the belt drive system 225 in which more than two fittedbelt lengths are desired or needed, an equal number of steps can beprovided on the motor bracket 90. In constructions of the belt drivesystem 225 in which only one fitted belt length is desired or needed,the motor bracket 90 may only one need one pair of steps (e.g., thefirst steps 115, 140). Alternatively, the upper end of the elongatedslot 110 or the upper end of the pivot slot 210 may be used to indicatethe predetermined fitted belt length.

The tension apparatus 270 controls the position of the alternator 85 andthe alternator pulley 245 to accurately obtain proper belt tensionrather than necessitating measuring the tension of the belt 250. In thismanner, the tension apparatus 270 obtains the proper belt tensionwithout repeated measurements and without investing substantial timereplacing or adjusting tension on the belt 250. In the illustratedconstruction, the steps 115, 120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155 are fixedrelative to movement of the alternator 85 and the alternator pulley 245,which avoids guesswork associated with determining the correct positionof the alternator 85 and the alternator pulley 245 relative to thedesired belt tension. The tension apparatus 270 also providesperceptible indicators (e.g., via sight and feel) via the steps 115,120, 125, 130, 140, 145, 150, 155 and the surfaces 185, 190 that allowan operator to quickly and accurately determine whether the alternator85 is in the proper position.

In some constructions, the tension apparatus 270 may include a stop(e.g., fastener) that can be positioned in one or both of the elongatedslot 110 and the pivot slot 210 to accommodate a desired fitted beltlength to inhibit movement of one or both of the fastener 180 and thesecond link element 220, and thereby inhibit further movement of thealternator 85 beyond the desired position. In other constructions, a pinand hole combination may be used to act as a stop for one or both of thefastener and the second link element 220. The stop and the pin and holecombination can provide perceptible indicators for the operatorregarding the position of the alternator 85 and the alternator pulley245.

In still other constructions, marks may be provided on one or both ofthe motor bracket 90 and the first alternator bracket 160 to indicate aspecific position or angle of the alternator 85, and therefore theposition or angle of the alternator pulley 245. Alternatively, inconstructions including support brackets (not shown) that may interferewith visual inspection of the tension apparatus 270, large holes may beprovided in the support brackets so that an operator can feel whetherthe first alternator bracket 160 is aligned with the motor bracket 90.

The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism simplifies belt installationand adjustment in the confined space of the housing 35, and maximizesthe distance that the alternator 85 can be adjusted to assemble andadjust the belt 250 without necessitating a larger housing and withoutinterfering with the compressor assembly 45, the evaporator fan assembly50, and the motor bracket 90. In particular, the belt assembly andadjustment mechanism allows the alternator pulley 245 to move up higherwithin the housing 35 without going over the top of the other componentsin the housing 35 and provides the amount of stretch needed in the belt250 for a proper fit in the belt drive system 225.

The tension apparatus 270 maintains sufficient tension on the belt 250for a desired belt life without overly tensioning the belt 250. Thetension apparatus 270 also streamlines the installation and adjustmentprocess by providing perceptible indicators that demarcate the properposition of the alternator 85 and the alternator pulley 245 relative tothe desired fitted belt length. The tension apparatus 270 accurately andeffectively controls tension on the belt 250 by setting the fitted beltlength on the fixed pulley belt drive system 225. The tension apparatus270 reduces assembly time and is pre-built into components of thetemperature control system 30. The tension apparatus 270 extends thelife of the belt 250 by providing a consistent belt tension settingbased on the fitted belt length without time consuming measurements ofthe belt tension and without special tools.

When stretched by the tension apparatus 270, the belt 250 will maintaintension for a given period. The tension apparatus 270 avoids issues thatare common with existing tension devices, including providing the propertension on the belt 250 without providing too much tension or too littletension on the belt 250.

The motor bracket 90, the first and second alternator brackets 160, 195,and the link 200 are universal parts that can be used in differentassemblies without modification. Although the belt assembly andadjustment mechanism and the tension apparatus 270 are described indetail with regard to the temperature control system 30, the beltassembly and adjustment mechanism and the tension apparatus 270 can beused separately or in combination in various other applications thatinclude a belt drive system 225 (e.g., a primary engine or motor, anauxiliary prime mover assembly, etc.). As such, the belt assembly andadjustment mechanism and the tension apparatus 270 should not beconstrued to depend on one another and should not be limited toapplications including temperature control systems as described herein.

1. A belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt, the belt assembly and adjustment mechanism comprising: a first bracket attachable to a first portion of the belt drive system; a second bracket attachable to a second portion of the belt drive system, the second portion different from the first portion; and a belt drive system component positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket, the component pivotally coupled to the first bracket on one side of the component and pivotally coupled to the second bracket on another side of the component, the component further slidably coupled to one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the component is movable between a first orientation at which the belt is configured to be tensioned and a second orientation at which the belt is configured to be installed onto the component.
 2. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the component is one of an alternator and a generator.
 3. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein when the component is in the second orientation, the belt is configured to be installed onto the component without tension.
 4. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the second bracket includes an elongated slot, and wherein the component is slidably coupled to the second bracket within the slot.
 5. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the component includes a first pivot located adjacent the first bracket and a second pivot located adjacent the second bracket, wherein a plane extends through the first pivot and the second pivot and is disposed at a first angle relative to a horizontal plane extending through a center of the component when the component is in the first orientation, and wherein the plane is disposed at a second angle larger than the first angle relative to the horizontal plane when the component is in the second orientation.
 6. A belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt, the belt assembly and adjustment mechanism comprising: a first bracket attachable to a portion of the belt drive system and including a first slot; a second bracket attachable to a portion of the belt drive system, the second bracket defining a sliding attachment portion including a second slot; a link pivotally coupled to the first bracket within the first slot; and a belt drive system component pivotally coupled to the link such that the component is guidable through a rotating trajectory via pivotal movement of the link within the first slot, the component coupled to the second bracket within the second slot such that the component is slidable along a linear trajectory within the second slot, the rotating trajectory and the linear trajectory facilitating movement of the component between a first orientation and a second orientation.
 7. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the component is one of an alternator and a generator.
 8. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 6, wherein when the component is in the second orientation, the belt is configured to be installed onto the component without tension.
 9. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the component is further pivotally coupled to the second bracket.
 10. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the component includes a first pivot located adjacent the link and a second pivot located adjacent the second bracket, and wherein a plane extending through the first pivot and the second pivot is disposed at a first angle relative to a horizontal plane extending through a center of the component when the component is in the first orientation, and the plane is disposed at a second angle larger than the first angle relative to the horizontal plane when the component is in the second orientation.
 11. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the component is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket such that the first bracket and the second bracket are on substantially opposite sides of the component.
 12. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the component is pivotally coupled to the first bracket via the link, and wherein the component is pivotally coupled to the second bracket via a third bracket.
 13. A belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt, the belt assembly and adjustment mechanism comprising: a first bracket attachable to a first portion of the belt drive system; a second bracket attachable to a second portion of the belt drive system, the second portion different from the first portion; and a belt drive system component positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket such that the first bracket and the second bracket are on substantially opposite sides of the component, the component including a first pivot located adjacent the first bracket and a second pivot located adjacent the second bracket, the component further slidably coupled to one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the component has a rotating trajectory and a sliding trajectory between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein a plane extending through the first pivot and the second pivot is disposed at a first angle relative to a horizontal plane extending through a center of the component when the component is in the first orientation, and wherein the plane is disposed at a second angle larger than the first angle relative to the horizontal plane when the component is in the second orientation.
 14. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 13, wherein the component is one of an alternator and a generator.
 15. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first orientation corresponds to a belt tensioning position and the second orientation corresponds to a belt installation position at which the belt is configured to be installed onto the component.
 16. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first bracket includes a first slot and the second bracket includes a second slot, the belt assembly and adjustment mechanism further comprising a link pivotally coupled to the first bracket within the first slot, and wherein the component is pivotally coupled to the first bracket via the link.
 17. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 16, wherein the component is pivotally coupled to the second bracket via a third bracket.
 18. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 16, wherein the component is pivotal relative to the second bracket and slidably movable relative to the second bracket within the second slot.
 19. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism of claim 18, wherein the rotating trajectory corresponds to pivotal movement of the component about at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket, and the linear trajectory corresponds to sliding movement of the component with in the second slot. 